Cloudy Bay has given Aucklanders even more reason to revel in the spring weather with the pop-up dining experience at the iconic Prego restaurant.
Prego is now showcasing a new, beautiful outdoor space that runs the length of the property where guests can enjoy food and Cloudy Bay wine pairings. What used to be an overlooked alleyway, is now a new, Cloudy Bay outdoor dining area until November 15 that provides a welcoming escape from the outside world.
Prego and Cloudy Bay have worked closely with Landscape Architect Jared Lockhart, to help bring the Cloudy Bay Sail Away space to life. Using natural timbers, luscious greenery, low hanging ambient lighting as well as utilising the existing brick-cobbled path, Jared created a refined wine garden in the heart of Ponsonby. “It was important to me that the overall design incorporated both Cloudy Bay and Prego influences, so I was careful to work with the existing infrastructure when bringing this space to life,” says Jared Lockhart.
“Cloudy Bay embraces natural elegance and refinement, so everything from the wood and plant life to the furniture and lighting needed to reflect this. I wanted to elevate the natural surroundings to create a unique inner-city dining environment where guests can take a break from their busy lives.”
As well the new design aesthetic, Cloudy Bay Sail Away at Prego also included a new bespoke menu. Following a trip down to Cloudy Bay in Marlborough, Prego’s head chef Lennox Bull has introduced an inspired new food and wine offering to the Prego menu which heroes locally foraged ingredients and produce from the region. Some of the dishes include Marlborough Wild Pork, Ora King Salmon and Cloudy Bay Clams.
“Along with their fine wines, Cloudy Bay is renowned for relying on the natural environment as a key food source,” says Lennox Bull. “During my trip down to the winery, I was lucky enough to enjoy a seven-course meal that incorporated food sourced from the local artisan growers and hunted and gathered from the wild. This experience provided me with an exceptional view of Marlborough’s vast gastronomic landscape, which was something I wanted to reflect in the bespoke Cloudy Bay menu at Prego.”
A highlight to the Cloudy Bay Sail Away menu is the Cloudy Bay Tasting Tray which features three canapés that are each paired with a Cloudy Bay wine. Guests can enjoy Applewood Smoked Duck Breast served with Damson Plum Jelly and a glass of Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2016, Kaikoura Fromage Blanc, Taylor Pass Honey and Thyme paired with Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2017 and Sugar-Cured Lamb with Crispy Polenta, Pinoli Pine Nuts and KawaKawa matched to the Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2015.
Also on offer will be the Cloudy Bay Forage Platter that allows diners to graze over a large selection of fresh Marlborough sourced produce while enjoying a bottle of Cloudy Bay wine.
“We are thrilled to be working with both Lennox and Jared this year to help us bring to life the Cloudy Bay Sail Away vision at Prego,” says Ali Campbell, Cloudy Bay Senior Brand Manager. “As experts in their fields, we have been able to create a relaxing environment where guests can take a break and enjoy a moment away from their busy lives while dining alfresco.”
Cloudy Bay Sail Away at Prego will be be operational until Wednesday 15th November 2017. www.prego.nz.nz
